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Your votes have yielded the following 7 finalists - two more than the usual 5 due to a 3-way tie for the final spot. They are presented here in alphabetical order for your votes in an open poll to select the overall Best Bowie.

While not required, it would add to the enjoyment of all if you could say a word or two about what appeals to you about the knife you selected.

The poll will close automatically "2 days after 01/04/10" - which I take to be Wednesday morning, but just in case the forum software thinks it means something else, better to cast your votes early.

Although any of the knives would fit into the "exceptional" category, I voted for the "Ring Guard Bowie". It was fantastic to watch it being made step by step in the WIP thread, the damascus, details on the guards, pommel, filework, coolness of the takedown feature and tool, just made it my choice.

Lastly, since we just had a "blue moon"....couldn't resist that blue mammoth

Congrats to all the finalists, as they are all beautful renditions of my favorite knife type!Tough choice for sure, but I went with the Ring Guard Bowie.The mammoth on this one is exquisite, as is the damascus. I also like how Kyle takes on a technique he has never done before and makes it look like he's been doing it for years. This young man has some serious skills

For me it's gotta be the Subhilt. Gorgeous! Lately I've been eyeing those mono steel temperline blades more and more. Just love those. And between the Don Hansen Stoned and the Subhilt I just liked the subhilt a tiny bit more.

Yes, Larry Fuegen's Gentleman's Bowie does quite a lot
for me too. Wonderful proportions, the beautifully designed
blade with its 5" clip point, the touch of carving on the ivory
and the silver wrap. All come together in perfect harmony.

An outstanding slate of Knives here.
My #1 pick was between Bruce's Bowie, David/Burt's Subhilt and the Royer Ring Guard Bowie. I'm not really into subhilts thus helping to eliminate the David/Burt piece, creating a very difficult decision between the other two. Bruce's bowie is remarkable with it's dead-on overall proportions, beautiful amber stag and just the right amount/style of engraving from Tom Ferry. However (right or wrong) I assign a degree of difficulty in creating each knife similar to what's done in judging individual sporting events and this is where the Royer squeezed ahead. Even though I own the Royer piece I don't believe my decision would have been different if I didn't.

Great job for a very fun competition. We where all able to see some of the most amazing work by so many talented makers. Forget about the fact these knives where all made within the last year.

I ended up going for the Bruce Bump, same reason as Marcel. The steel is truly amazing. Add the egraving, stag, style, etc. a very cool knife. No matter who ultimately wins I think they are all more than worthy.

I too want to thank both Roger and Lorien for all of their hard work.

I also want to thank all of the makers. You guys are great and true artists. The quality and vision you have are the reason I have enjoyed being a collector and why knives are my favorite form of art.

After a lot of staring and enjoying all of these knives I had to vote for Bruce's knife. The steel is incredible, the lines are great and it just looks like what I think of when someone says "bowie".

Russ Andrews' knife fit this description as well and was fantastic. That subhilt is a spectacular piece of work but I like the more traditional styling of Bruce's knife.

I almost feel guilty voting for any of these knives as it's almost a slight to the others. I can find no fault with any of these and it really just comes down to the "feeling" I get from the knife and not so much the craftsmanship. Absolutely outstanding work by all of these makers.

I like these knives (almost) equally much, but I had to vote...so I voted for Bruce Bump's Bowie. The reason....the steel, the steel, the steel!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Kevin Jones

Bruce's bowie is remarkable with it's dead-on overall proportions, beautiful amber stag and just the right amount/style of engraving from Tom Ferry.

These sum up quite nicely why I voted for the Bruce Bump OKCA Bowie. Stag and damascus have always been among my most favourite combos - and the Andrews Redoubt was right up there in the mix for me. I wish it had better pics - it deserves it.

The Royer piece is truly exceptional in every respect. And I think we can look forward to even better form Kyle - a truly mind-boggling concept.

Roger thank you for our annual bowie amazement. Truly some outstanding pieces. I had to go with Bruce Bump's piece of art. When I look at it it just comes right out and says bowie. Everything is in proportion and the execution is flawless. Beautiful knife! Everyone of the choices is fantastic, but that one just grabs me.

I'm choosing the Foster/Broadwell collaberation. The knife is more than what any single knifemaker can accomplish--it is the seamless integration of two uniquely different styles to make one beautiful masterpiece. Also, as in nature, that is the one knife that doesn't have a single straight line anywhere, thereby making it an even more difficult piece to create.